The formation of the city of Glasgow began in medieval times. The tiny, picturesque village sat on the banks of the River Clyde. By the late 1600s, industry in Glasgow was booming with port activity. A couple of centuries later, the proliferation of industry--particularly of steel mills--gave way to terrible pollution, and tenements took over some neighborhoods. These days, the old industrial giants have left town, and the neighborhoods have begun to show their sparkle once again. They have verdant stretches of green space. The greenery serves to keep the air fresh and the view beautiful.
Glagsow has several neighborhoods of interest. The City Center, a bustling business area, borders the River Clyde and extends to High Street. The retail and theater district is centered around George Square. Radiating from the square are streets filled with shops, most notably upscale Buchanan Street. The Merchant City neighborhood was historically a wealthy residential area and now holds lofts, bohemian cafes, clubs, boutiques, and restaurants. Around King Street, galleries and cultural organizations have sprung up. The West End also has an artsy vibe, offering tea salons, boutique hotels, international restaurants, and happening bars. It is also the home of attractions such as Kelvingrove Park, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, the University of Glasgow, and the notable Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The East End was once filled with tenements and now has the Barrowland Market, Celtic Park. Saint Andrews Church and the rolling hills of the Necropolis Cemetery.
Culture vultures, sports fanatics, history buffs, and outdoors people can all find enjoyment in Glasgow. British football is big here. So are art calendars by the likes of the Scottish Opera (which performs traditional classics such as "Cosi fan tutte" and "The Barber of Seville"), the National Theatre (presenting interpretations of Ibsen dramas, contemporary works and Scottish plays), the Scottish Ballet (Scotland's national classic dance company), the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (performing holiday shows, thematic concerts, classic masterpieces, and big band shows), Scottish Youth Theatre, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Theater buffs enjoy productions by The King's Theatre (showing popular musicals, dramas and comedies such as "Fame" and "Buddy"), Citizen's Theatre (presenting classics as well as contemporary multimedia spectacles such as the gothic promenade "Sub Rosa") and Theatre Royal. The permanent and visiting exhibits at the international Gallery of Modern Art and the Burrell Collection--known for its medieval tapestries, European paintings, and English oak furniture--are major attractions. Most Glasgow museums have free admission.
Consider the seasons when visiting Glasgow. Spring is typically mild, and Glasgow's many parks are bursting with color. Summer weather alternates between wet and sunny, and the temperatures are mild. July is the warmest month. Winters tend to be rainy and cold, although the Gulf Stream keeps it milder than one would expect. January and February see the most rainfall. Snowfall is common in the winter, but the snow melts quickly.
Glasgow not only offers year-round attractions, it also is host to many major events. Festivals that attract international tourists include the Glasgow Jazz Festival. This festival features main stage, cabaret, club, and children's concerts. The Glasgow Comedy Festival offers over two weeks of international performers in stand-up shows as well as theater pieces, films, workshops, and events for children. Celtic Connections is a winter music festival. The West End Festival is a summer theater festival, and the Glasgow Film Festival hosts premieres, classics, guest star appearances, galas, and autograph signings.
